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Yesterday the British Columbia provincial government released its proposed framework for the non-medical (i.e., adult-use) cannabis retail sector. While most of the proposal is in line with previous communications, there are a few points which are disappointing to some.
The framework is subject to federal and provincial legislation that still has to be passed. The wholesale distribution will be handled through the provincial Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), while the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch will do the licensing and monitoring. The province is allowing government-run as well as privately owned non-medical retail cannabis stores. It should be especially noted that, for private retail establishments, the LDB is not capping or limiting the number of licences. It should be … [Read more...] about B.C. Cannabis Private Retail Licensing Guide

After 4 years of operation and nearly 1000 site inspections, Health Canada made an important announcement today regarding 2 targeted changes in the physical security requirement for cannabis for medical purpose.
Licensed producers (LPs) will no longer be required to store cannabis in a highly secured physical vault.
Instead of a vault, cannabis can now be stored in a secured area with physical barriers that includes an intrusion detection system, 24/7 visual monitoring and recording, recording of the identity of every individual that enters and exits the secured space and access restricted to those whose presence is required by their work responsibilities.
Rooms where cannabis are grown no longer need 24/7 video monitoring and recording
LPs are no longer required to … [Read more...] about Health Canada Update Summary on Physical Security Requirement for Cannabis for Medical Purposes

Last week our company was invited to participate in a stakeholder meeting with Health Canada in Ottawa along with a select number of other stakeholders. As has always been the theme song with Health Canada in the last six months, the atmosphere was forward-thinking and transparent. The goal of the session was to provide a solid understanding of the proposal, as well as to receive feedback on where there might be gaps in their consultation document titled ‘Proposed Approach to the Regulation of Cannabis’.
What was clear from the meeting might best be summarized with a quote from Health Canada, that a “cultural shift needs to happen to support the change in the law”. I believe we are seeing this cultural shift today, and the timing is right for engaging Health Canada in a constructive way … [Read more...] about Update: Cannabis Legalization in Canada

Yesterday, Health Canada announced their proposed new legalization framework for cannabis in Canada – full proposal is found here – and which is now launching Canada to the forefront of the global cannabis market. I’ve seen many regulatory adjustments and changes to cannabis in the last decade, but nothing quite like this. Most of us are still waking up with a “regulatory hangover” and trying to process all of the changes. As the founder and CEO of the world’s largest and most professional cannabis compliance firm, I’m writing this article to provide my insights on where cannabis is headed. Because this is a game changer.
Many of us knew the changes were coming, but none of us predicted in full how far the government would take this. In short, Canada is creating a whole new framework … [Read more...] about Cannabis in Canada – Sweeping Changes

It’s been a busy week for cannabis legalization in Canada. Today the province of Quebec provided more details on their previously announced framework. Only a few days ago, Manitoba announced their own framework, which is more favourable to large retail chains than small independent stores.
Today, however, the Province of Alberta has announced their own retail and distribution framework for adult-use (aka recreational) cannabis sales in the province. The major news is that Alberta will license private independent stores to sell cannabis – not only is this a “first” for Canada, but in a way it’s the first major market to completely legalize retail cannabis sales.
Top Line Summary
The Alberta Government announced today under Bill 26 (An Act To Control And Regulate Cannabis) that online … [Read more...] about Cannabis Legalization Framework in Alberta

This year, the Canadian provinces are busy at work preparing for cannabis legalization ahead of July 2018. To date, only a few provinces have announced their framework for how they will regulate the sale and distribution of adult-use cannabis in their provinces, and so far these are following a Crown Corporation model. Two days ago, the Province of Manitoba announced their plans – the first framework to allow private enterprises to play a role.
The live press conference on Tuesday was being watched by countless viewers, many of whom hoping to play a role in the upcoming retail model. On social media there has been a great deal of interest in what this framework actually is, but Cannabis Compliance Inc has been digging deeper. For some companies, the framework holds tremendous … [Read more...] about Cannabis Retail in Manitoba Announced